I regret not buying a Model S Plaid before production ends. There, I said it. With the Tesla Model S market surge hitting fever pitch, used Model S prices rising faster than a Plaid launch, I've been kicking myself for passing on one last November when new ones were dipping to $80-90k for the 2026 model year.
Why the Regret Hits Hard
We've been tracking this madness day by day on the channel. The past three months? Pure chaos. The Lux package vanished, prices spiked, and then Elon drops the bomb: end of Model S production. Owners freaked. If you're dropping $100k-$150k on a Tesla, you're not sweating a few grand—you want the latest tech, the fresh warranty, the Plaid punch.
Think about it: someone with a 2019 Model S hears production's done? They bolt to grab a new one for those extra years of coverage. Even 2022 owners, planning a four-year swap, suddenly accelerate their timeline. That's the fuel behind this insane used Model S/X market where inventory's vanishing and values are skyrocketing. Model S Plaid value now? Easily holding at $130k-$150k used, with low-mileage 2026s still commanding $80k-$90k+ because there's no new supply.
I teased getting a Plaid forever, but dropping $100k felt steep compared to the Cybertruck's unmatched utility or my trusty Model Y Performance. I'd owned Long Range S and X before—no Plaids. But post-refresh with the new bumpers and interior? Plaid was the only play unless you need X space. Hindsight's brutal: buy new last fall, drive it 6-12 months, flip for zero loss or even profit. Pure regret.
Watch me unpack this in the video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=po_cc_6Sx1w.
The Evidence Piling Up
Data doesn't lie. Pre-end-of-production announcements, you could've scored a loaded Plaid under $90k new. Now? Market's propped by unaware owners. Your S or X totals out tomorrow? Bam—reality hits: no new ones left. Over the next 3-6 months, wrecks, trade-ins, breakdowns will flood demand as folks learn the news. That's why I predict prices hold strong through 2025, maybe dipping early 2026.
Signature series? Those will crater 10-30% eventually—luxury depreciates hard. But Plaids? $130k-$150k floor feels sticky with no production backstop. I've seen it: Tesla Model S market surge isn't hype; it's supply shock. Used Model S prices rising 20-30% in months proves it.
If you're eyeing one via Tesla referral — 3 months free FSD + low APR financing, act fast on remaining inventory, but that's lottery odds now.
Yeah, But Will Prices Drop?
Fair counter: this bubble pops eventually. No new Model S means used becomes the only game, but oversupply from panicked sellers could normalize values. I said wait a year—by then, early adopters dump, market cools to $80k-ish for clean Plaids. Signature? Deeper cuts.
But here's the rub: how patient are you? If your daily's a 5-year-old S, that warranty clock's ticking louder without a successor. And with FSD stacking value, Plaids hold premium. Nobody predicted this end of Model S production twist— not even me after Cybertruck swaps.
Still, no crystal ball. Model Y Perf stays my fun hauler; Cybertruck's utility king. Plaid regret's small—no $100k splurge planned anyway.
My Final Take: Buy Smart or Sit Tight
Model S Plaid before production ends was the move—I blew it, but you don't have to mirror my miss. If Plaid's your dream (1,020hp insanity, yoke vibes, lounge seats), hunt low-mile used now before the unaware rush peaks. Expect $120k+ entry; haggle signatures down.
Long game? Wait till Q1 2026 for drops as reality sinks in. But don't bank on it— this Tesla Model S market surge could linger. Model S Plaid value now screams 'future classic' to enthusiasts.
Shoppers, drop thoughts below: hunting S/X? Regrets? Model Y/Cybertruck loyalists, you dodged a bullet. Peace.
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